COUNCILLORS have deferred a decision on a college’s plan to upgrade its facilities for science subjects.

New College Durham’s proposed expansion of its technology block was recommended for approval by a Durham County Council planning meeting on Tuesday.

But members resolved to defer the application in order for the applicant to provide an updated travel plan to include an assessment of potential increased parking demand

The college, at Framwellgate Moor, in Durham, wants to build a three-storey, brick and grey-clad extension north of the existing technology building.

The scheme aims to enable the college to run new STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) courses.

It would include workshops and specialist IT suites.